Taking the scenic route through third level education, my first toe in the water was at Waterford Regional Technical College for a National Diploma in Business Studies in Recreation Management. I subsequently studied for a BA Honours Degree in Sport Studies and a Master's Degree in Sport & Exercise Science at the University of Ulster.

Started working at the Institute of Technology Sligo in 1999. Previously worked for the Dublin School of English as a Sports Officer and held many part time positions in private leisure facilities and outdoor education centres before securing full time employment with Monaghan VEC. Spent five years at Monaghan Institute of Further Education & Training as course co-ordinator for FETAC and BTEC courses in Sport & Recreation and Leisure & Tourism.

Recently assumed the responsibility of programme chairperson for BBS Recreation & Leisure Level 7 degree programme and lecture in the areas of exercise physiology, fitness and health. I have also lectured on the Solas, 'Training for Success' programme for a number of years and lectured at level 8 on the BBS Add-On.

Acted as work placement co-ordinator for the BBS Recreation & Leisure programme from 1999-2012 and in 2008 prepared documentation for the European Health& Fitness Association enabling IT Sligo to become an accredited training provider for fitness Instructor awards which are now mapped against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). I have been actively involved in three programmatic review processes at IT Sligo and am currently employed by GMIT as an external examiner for the BA in Outdoor Education & Leisure.

Fostering links in the community is an integral part of my work and over the years have established strong links REHAB Care, Ballytivnan Training Centre, National Learning Network and Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership in promoting and delivering sporting opportunities for people living with physical and intellectual disabilities. Have also engaged with the Avalon centre in Sligo delivering physical activity workshops to older adults in a community setting and co-ordinate the annual personal training programme available to staff under the "Health Campus" initiative.

Instrumental in securing 10,000 euro in funding from Sligo Sports Partnership and with the support of Sligo Borough Council established Sligo Kayak Club in 2009 and served on the committee as club chairperson. More recently I have become an active committee member and club coach with Corran Athletics Club. My most recent appointment has been to the Board of Directors of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.